Used tank buy! Could use some guidance

[Alaura02]

I have been combing the internet and marketplace for used tanks (best way to save money). I was just looking for a tank and stand but ran across this beautiful deal! It comes with just about everything you would need to start; skimmer, filter, sand, rocks, light, and heater. I would just need to buy maintenance supplies etc.

I asked to get some more information about the brands and such for the equipment and will update when I get that information because that is where I am going to need some help.

Thanks!

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

I wouldn't reuse the sand unless you wash it off several times with fresh saltwater, it will likely contain tons of nutrients in it's current state. I would also heavily wash the rocks, odds are you will need more to make a pleasing to look at reef tank.

Also, ask the guy why he is getting out of the hobby. If he says something like "ich killed all of my fish" or "It was a pain to deal with algae all of the time" then I wouldn't use any of the substrate and rocks and also wash everything else in bleach and then rinse it off several times.

 

[Alaura02]

I wouldn't reuse the sand unless you wash it off several times with fresh saltwater, it will likely contain tons of nutrients in it's current state. I would also heavily wash the rocks, odds are you will need more to make a pleasing to look at reef tank.

Also, ask the guy why he is getting out of the hobby. If he says something like "ich killed all of my fish" or "It was a pain to deal with algae all of the time" then I wouldn't use any of the substrate and rocks and also wash everything else in bleach and then rinse it off several times.

If I end up buying it I was planning on ditching the sand and trading the rock at the lfs for store credit because I don't want to risk it and plus I didn't really want dry rock anyways!

 

[Alaura02]

Definitely a good idea for bleaching! I will also about why he is getting rid of it too.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

If I end up buying it I was planning on ditching the sand and trading the rock at the lfs for store credit because I don't want to risk it and plus I didn't really want dry rock anyways!

Sounds like a good plan to me

 

[gcarroll]

Bleach the rock and sand ad you will be fine!

 

[Alaura02]

Finally got a reply from the seller!

He is selling the tank/equipment simply because he doesn't have enough time to devote to the maintenance and care of a reef/saltwater tank.
I am going to pick it up next Monday!

Anytips on bleaching the sand? I am trading the rock in at lfs but kinda want to keep the sand to lower the costs

 

[Jeepguy242]

50/50 bleach and water.

Soak it for a couple days then put the garden hose in it and let it run for a bit while stirring the sand. Keep going till everything comes clean


Then drain all the water and let it dry out in the sun for a week.

Then rinse it again with ro/di water till it is clean.

Then add it to the tank with fresh saltwater and add your live rock from the LFS.

If you can find a fellow reefer get a cup of his sand and add it to the tank also

 

[mike werner]

and just to make sure ya got all the bleach out add some dechlorinator to the water.

 

[Alaura02]

50/50 bleach and water.

Soak it for a couple days then put the garden hose in it and let it run for a bit while stirring the sand. Keep going till everything comes clean


Then drain all the water and let it dry out in the sun for a week.

Then rinse it again with ro/di water till it is clean.

Then add it to the tank with fresh saltwater and add your live rock from the LFS.

If you can find a fellow reefer get a cup of his sand and add it to the tank also

Thank you

 

[pjdiddy]

I'll ditch the sand and just buy a new one if I were you. You could also reuse the old rocks by bleaching it. Or maybe just buy a new one as well since there is not much anyway.

 

[samnaz]

happy to see you chose live rock, hope you won't be disappointed! purchasing from a lfs or online? Gulf Live Rock and Tampa Bay Saltwater are the best in the biz.

 

[cracker]

agree ^ You could clean the rock. There is lot's of info here on the best way that fits your liking. Buy some live rock & use this rock also . The LR will have good benny's in them to help seed the dry rock. This will save Ya some $$.